April 2002 Volume 83 Number 4 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Barnett

Roaring V8 Monaro

After the spectacular unveiling of the concept new-millennium Monaro at the Sydney International Motor Show in 1998, Holden knew this car had to become a reality.

So what’s it like to drive? Absolutely sensational! It is a true sports car in every sense. And, for those inclined to compare it to the old Monaro, it is simply streets ahead. While its “blown” six is quick and refined, its big eight – with a six-speed close-ratio box – is mind-blowing. Even though it lacks that distinctive V8 exhaust burble, pump the revs up and the big V8 roars as it should.

Now available at Holden dealers (but be prepared for a long wait), the new Monaro is much more than a VX Commodore with only two doors. This car makes a statement and evokes passion not seen since the muscle cars of yesteryear. During a Police Journal test drive, people of all ages looked, stared, pointed, smiled and gave it the thumbs-up.

From the windscreen back, the car is completely new, with no fewer than 84 major new panels. Windscreen rake has been increased by two degrees and the doors are 150mm longer. Its roof-line is 40mm lower and rear overhang is reduced by 100mm.

These alterations give Monaro a long, low, sporty profile. Fabulous! Striking new tail lamps, projector-style headlamps, a unique grille and some flashy new colours also help separate Monaro from its four-door cousins.

With some major work, the design team has achieved a 23 per cent increase in body-bending stiffness and a five per cent increase in torsional stiffness over the VXII sedan.

Available in CV6 and CV8models, Monaro offers either Supercharged V6 or Generation III V8 performance. The Supercharged 3.8-litre V6 – available only with a four-speed automatic transmission – can muster 171kW of power and 375Nm of torque. While the bent six is no slouch, the 5.7-litre V8 delivers 225kW power and 460Nm torque and is available with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed auto transmissions.

Featured inside (for four adults) is luxury leather seating that fits like a glove. Front seats have eight-way electric adjustment and feature big side bolsters for extra grip. Optional colour-coded leather seat inserts combine with coloured instrument dials to complement the exterior finish on V8 models.

In addition to their sporty good looks and excellent performance, the CV6 ($47,990) and CV8 ($56,990 in auto or manual) are good value for money.

CV6 features:
• Front and side airbags.
• Single CD audio system.
• ABS brakes.
• Cruise control.
• Traction control.
• 17-inch alloys.

The V8 comes with a stack of additional equipment, such as:
• 10-stack CD high-power audio system.
• Three-stage memory on driver’s seat.
• Split-system climate control.
• 18-inch alloys.

The success of the VX

No car has been more successful for Holden than the VX Commodore. And, building on that success, the company released its Series II Commodore, Statesman and utility models late last year.

Except for some bold new colours – particularly hyper yellow – there are no glaring external changes. But Holden has carried out major work beneath the surface, especially to the suspension. That work has brought improved ride and handling.

A new Control-Link independent rear suspension is standard on all sedans and wagons. It features additional link arms that assist in keeping the car precisely on track over bumps and during strong acceleration, deceleration and braking. Rear grip has increased and allows a tighter line on bends and corners. All suspension packages have been re-tuned to complement the new rear suspension, and revised tyre construction contributes to sharper, more accurate steering.

Standard on Caprice and optional on Statesman and Calais is an advanced in-car communication system featuring Holden Assist. Buttons on the rear-view mirror put the driver or passenger in direct phone contact with the Holden Assist centre, which is staffed 24 hours a day.

The system can:
• Remotely unlock doors.
• Diagnose low battery voltage.
• Detect unauthorized entry.
• Automatically notify authorities of an airbag deployment.
• Track and immobilize the vehicle if it is stolen.

Executive, Acclaim, S and SS models are now fitted with an alarm, which is operated from the Power Key and sounds the horn when it is triggered.

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